Todd Weiler, a Utah state senator representing Davis and Salt Lake counties, will assume the role of president and CEO of the Sutherland Institute in early August, following a national search by the organization's board of directors. The appointment, announced by the Sutherland Institute on July 15, 2026, marks a leadership transition for the conservative think tank, which was founded in 1995 by the late Gaylord K. Swim to serve as a resource for the state legislature and promote conservative principles.
The Sutherland Institute's board of directors selected Weiler to lead the organization, citing his commitment to the group's core mission of faith, family, and freedom. Brent Andrewsen, the board chair, stated that Weiler's record of advancing religious freedom and empowering parents has helped protect the roles of faith and family in public life.
As part of the transition, Weiler will wind down his responsibilities at his law firm while continuing to serve in the Utah Senate, according to a July 15 announcement from the Institute. Executive Director Derek Monson described Weiler as a principled advocate and a stabilizing influence in several of Utah's most significant policy debates.
Weiler, who will begin his new role as Sutherland president and CEO in early August, expressed a desire to expand the organization's reach. He noted his goal is to help improve the lives of Utahns and strengthen the families and communities that make the state exceptional. Weiler also emphasized his intent to develop the next generation of young leaders to become champions of the ideas of freedom.
In a commentary published by Deseret News on August 6, 2026, Weiler reflected on the importance of the Utah legislature's citizen-lawmaker model. He noted that because the legislature is part-time, many members maintain employment outside of legislative service, such as teachers, physicians, and small business owners. Weiler argued that this brings real-world professional experience to legislative debates, ensuring that lawmakers must live by the laws they create.
The Sutherland Institute's leadership structure includes a variety of prominent figures. The organization's board of directors includes Brent Andrewsen, a partner at a regional law firm specializing in charitable planning and business governance, and Jean B. Bingham, the former general president of the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Other notable figures associated with the institute's leadership and alumni include Scott Anderson, the nonexecutive chair of the Zions Bank Advisory Board and former president and CEO of Zions Bank, and Rick B. Larsen, who serves as President Emeritus. The institute's mission was established by its founder, Gaylord K. Swim, who dedicated his professional life to investment management and founded the institute to foster faith, character, and accountability.
The leadership of the Utah Senate remains a central component of the state's legislative process. J. Stuart Adams serves as the Senate President. Adams, a partner in the Adams Company, a real estate, construction, and development firm in Kaysville, previously served in the Utah House of Representatives and on the Layton City Council.
Legislative duties in Utah are governed by specific rules, including the Utah Constitution's requirements for officials. Article IV, Section 10 of the Utah Constitution mandates that all elective or appointive officers must take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Utah while discharging their duties with fidelity.
The Utah Senate maintains a roster of members representing various districts across the state. The current roster includes Republican Senator Todd Weiler for District 8, representing parts of Davis and Salt Lake counties. Other senators include Scott D. Sandall for District 1, Chris H. Wilson for District 2, and John D. Johnson for District 3.
Legislators are also subject to strict ethical standards. The Utah Legislative Rules, specifically Title JR6, govern legislative ethics and the adjudication of ethics complaints, establishing requirements for official conduct and the receipt of campaign donations.
The leadership transition at the Sutherland Institute comes as the organization seeks to deepen its engagement with the Utah community. Under Weiler's leadership, the institute aims to expand its footprint in the capital, courtrooms, and classrooms of the state, continuing the work started by founder Gaylord K. Swim.
As Weiler transitions from his legal practice to his executive role, his dual capacity as a state senator and a think tank leader will place him at the center of Utah's policy discussions regarding religious liberty and family empowerment.
